GOP lawmaker: America doesn't need 'somebody else's babies

by Associated Press

FILE - In this Jan. 23, 2014, file photo, Republican U.S. Rep. Steve King of Iowa speaks in Des Moines. King questioned during a segment on MSNBC July 18, 2016, what groups of people have contributed more to civilization than whites. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) —

A veteran Iowa Republican congressman says America can't restore "our civilization with somebody else's babies" and warns of a liberal effort to break down Western civilization.

Rep. Steve King, in a tweet Sunday, paid tribute to a Dutch politician who opposes immigration and has spoken against Islam. It came as the Dutch prepare for an election Wednesday.

King, who has served in the U.S. House since 2003, said Geert Wilders "understands that culture and demographics are our destiny. We can't restore our civilization with somebody else's babies."

In an interview Monday on CNN, King said he stood by his remarks. King said, "I meant exactly what I said," and noted that he delivers the same message to countries in Europe.

"We need to get our birth rates up or Europe will be entirely transformed within a half a century or a little more," King said.

King said he wants Americans to promote its own birth rate and culture to avoid the same fate.

When asked whether he is promoting a kind of white nationalism, King said the debate isn't about advancing a particular race but rather advancing American culture and Western civilization.

"This is an effort on the left, I think, to break down the American civilization, the American culture and turn it into something entirely different. I'm a champion for Western civilization," he said.

White nationalist and former Ku Klux Klansman David Duke tweeted his support of Rep. King.

Jeff Kaufmann, chairman of the Iowa Republican Party, took issue with King's comments.

"First of all, I do not agree with Congressman King's statement. We are a nation of immigrants, and diversity is the strength of any nation and any community. Regarding David Duke, his words and sentiments are absolute garbage. He is not welcome in our wonderful state."